Carl's Jr. Reveals Its 4/20 Offering

Cannabidiol or CBD, the nonpsychoactive component of cannabis, is turning up in everything from jelly beans to soda. Now, Carl's Jr. is jumping on the trend, becoming the first major fast-food chain to release a CBD-infused burger. Despite its name, the "Rocky Mountain High: CheeseBurger Delight"—made up of two beef patties, pickled jalapenos, pepper jack cheese, and fries—won't actually get you high. Topped with "Santa Fe Sauce" infused with 5 milligrams of CBD, it'll be available at a single location in Denver on Saturday, also known as 4/20 or "Weed Day." The offering could be expanded depending on the response, per the Denver Post. Senior VP of Brand Marketing Patty Trevino tells Business Insider the $4.20 burger might eventually spread across the US.

Of course, such a plan is complicated by the fact that the FDA has yet to decide how CBD products should be regulated. While a hearing on the topic is scheduled for next month, per CNN, Carl's Jr. is playing it safe, offering its burger in one of a handful of US states that have legalized recreational marijuana. "It is something that feels right for the brand," Trevino tells CNN, noting the burger should appeal to younger customers who "are more open to different flavors of products." Customers must be 18 and are limited to two burgers, per the Post. Though some studies indicate CBD could treat pain, inflammation, and anxiety, Carl's Jr. makes no such claim about its burger, made in partnership with Colorado-based Bluebird Botanicals. (The FDA has approved a CBD drug to treat rare forms of epilepsy.)